Jane Thomas
Last updated: May 2020
I believe our political and business leaders could learn a lot from our children! When I’m in a classroom, all the energy that’s bottled up in the children is transferred to me. I see that they’re ready to learn and I think, ‘This is what the world should be about. It’s not about me. It’s about what I can do to help children be the best they can be!’
One of my main responsibilities is supporting Prep students to make a successful transition to school. This involves meeting new families, visiting kindergartens and building a relationship with each child. The transition into Prep is important to get right because it plants a seed for all future learning. Falling in love with learning and school sets children up for success in later life. Children can learn anything when they develop a growth mindset.
Once students are at Grimwade House, we have a strong focus on helping them settle in as quickly as possible. I work closely with the Prep teaching team to manage all the intricacies of assisting students to establish new routines, build relationships with their peers and teachers, learn how to listen and how to ask questions.
What I love about my job is the opportunity to look at the bigger picture – to go into each classroom and see what’s happening across the school. I am passionate about education and want teachers to grow and develop, making sure they’re supported with high quality resources and the most up-to-date research.
In 2017 I participated in a year-long cross-campus leadership program that helped to develop my understanding of the different ways people approach tasks and challenges. I think it’s important for a leader to value those differences in people and to provide opportunities to for them to shine and operate at an optimal level.
Jane Thomas is Deputy Head at Grimwade House. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education. Jane began her teaching career working with older children with disabilities before moving to the UK, where she taught students from diverse backgrounds. She has been working at Melbourne Grammar School since 2005.